Facebook’s New Search Engine – Local Graph Search

May 13, 2013

On January 15, 2013 Facebook revealed their new search engine and called it Graph Search. They created this improved search engine to compete with Google, Bing, Yahoo and the other search engines out there. Facebook would love it if you wouldn’t have to leave their website for anything. Currently, not everyone on Facebook can use the Graph Search, but they will eventually get a chance.

When using the Facebook search bar, what are the main categories that you normally search for? Facebook has made it a lot easier for you to search for common interests, people, pictures and places. The places search is very important for anyone trying to bring in business locally.

How do you currently rank when you search for your business on Facebook?

 

Some Factors to Help Your Business Rank Well Locally with the Graph Search:

1. Who You Know

–  When a search is performed Facebook will include locations that your friends have been to and liked. If they liked that location it will rank higher than other destinations on the search results page. If you do not have a Facebook business page, then nobody can like your page. You won’t show up in the search and you have less of an opportunity to get new customers.

2. The Amount of Likes

– The amount of likes and activity on your Facebook business page is an important factor for the Graph Search. Having a lot of likes is nice, but if you don’t have any followers that actually interact with your business that doesn’t help. Having real fans and followers will help impact your ranking in a good way! If you are hurting in the like column, create a new social media strategy.

3. Facebook Check-Ins

– When a Facebook user visits a location that has a Facebook business page, they can check-in using their app. The more check-ins a business has, the better the local ranking. Facebook wants people to have a good experience and share it! Having a lot of check-ins shows that the place of business is a great place to go! Make sure you remind your customers to check-in when they visit.

4. Geographic Location

–  The location of your establishment still affects how your business shows up in the search results. If someone types in the keywords “Auto Repair Shop Raleigh, North Carolina…” the business that is located in that area will show up higher in the search rankings. Make sure you have your correct address listed on your Facebook business page.

5. Review Ratings

–  Reviews are still important! Customers read reviews before making an important purchasing decision. When the Facebook user checks in to a place, Facebook will then provide a rating page where they can grade their experience. The rating is one to five stars.

facebook reviews

You have just read about some factors that affect how you show up in the Facebook search rankings. If you don’t have a Facebook page for your business, get one! If you have a Facebook business page, make sure your address is correct, promote your page to your customers and create a social strategy to increase activity!

If you have questions or need help with your Facebook Business Page please call us at 866-665-1605 Option 2 or email us at help@repairshopwebsites.com

You can also check out this page to learn more about the Graph Search:  https://www.facebook.com/about/graphsearch.

For more information about our services please visit: https://www.repairshopwebsites.com/

Thanks,

Justin Raymond/ Customer Service Representative